T-bar putting stroke trainer system

ABSTRACT

A golf putting trainer may be utilized in combination with a golf putter to: a) position the putter face perpendicular to the shoulder line; b) provide a visual aid to set the shoulders parallel to the perceived putt line; c) train a golfer to execute a putting stroke by moving the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter in a synchronized motion around the stroke axis or upper spine; d) provide a visual aid to monitor the motion of the shoulders on-plane. The golf putting trainer may include an adjustable clamp, which can slide up and down the putter shaft to accommodate golfers of various sizes, a main shaft attached to the adjustable clamp, and a shoulder alignment guide attached to the main shaft that allow equal pressure to be applied against both shoulders of a golfer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/397,028, filed on Jun. 7, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a golf putting stroke training aid. More particularly, the training aid provides a T-shaped bar that aids development of a proper putting stroke.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Most of the advanced putting greens on today's golf courses are cut at least 50% shorter than just twenty years ago. As a result, the methodology of putter strokes has evolved to suit the conditions. Modern putting strokes focus on control and accuracy, minimizing all excess motion of the arms, hands, and putter head to create optimum distance control. Critical to these characteristics of control, accuracy, and speed is proper setup, alignment, and a synchronized, rhythmic motion of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter.

Prior putting aid trainer designs focus on stabilizing the arms, hands, and putter with or against the body during the execution of the putting stroke. Numerous training aids have been developed to help achieve some of these objectives. However, the prior art has not combined all of the aspects of alignment: including proper positioning of the putter face to the shoulder line; proper alignment of the shoulder line to the putt line; synchronization of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter; and a visual guide to the proper shoulder motion.

The improved golf putting stroke training aid discussed herein is directed to a golf putting trainer to connect and synchronize the motion of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter around the actual axis (upper spine) of the putting stroke, thus teaching a consistent, arcing, on-plane putting stroke. In addition, the golf putting trainer sets the shoulders perpendicular to the putter face, provides a visual reference to set the shoulders parallel to the putt line, thus creating accurate alignment and positions the body and spine in the ideal position to allow an arcing, on-plane putting stroke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an illustrative implementation, a golf putting trainer may provide a main shaft and a shoulder alignment guide attached to an end of the main shaft. The shoulder alignment guide forms a T-shaped assembly with the main shaft, and the shoulder alignment guide may be detachable from the main shaft. The main shaft of the trainer may extend upward with an adequate curvature to allow the shoulder alignment guide of the trainer to contact the front shoulders of a golfer. The end of the main shaft opposite the crossbar is secured to a clamp. The clamp may be adjustable to allow the trainer to slide up or down on a putter shaft into a desired position on the putter shaft. The clamp is also adjustable relative to the main shaft allowing for a custom fit to any type posture or spine angle. Once the trainer is positioned correctly relative to the putter and the golfer, the clamp may then be secured for proper positioning.

When the golf putting trainer is properly attached to the putter shaft, the crossbar will apply equal upward pressure against the front of the right and left shoulder of the golfer. Equal pressure will ensure that the putter face is perpendicular to the shoulder line, a key attribute to executing a properly arcing, on-plane putting stroke. The extended crossbar also serves as a visual alignment aid to set the shoulder line parallel to the putt line, also a key attribute to executing an arcing, on-plane putting stroke.

An object of the golf putting trainer is to set the shoulders perpendicular to the putter face. Another object of the golf putting trainer is to provide a visual guide to set the shoulder line parallel to the putt line. Another object of the golf putting trainer is to train the synchronization of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter motion around the putting stroke axis, or upper spine.

And still another object of the golf putting trainer is a visual guide of the extended shoulder alignment guide to create the proper on-plane motion of the shoulders. Any side to side motion of the shoulder alignment guide indicates too much upper body rotation causing the putter to move off-plane in an opened to closed motion during the putting stroke.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly various features of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1A provides an illustrative implementation of an exploded view of a golf putting trainer;

FIG. 1B provides detailed view of a golf putting trainer from area B shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C provides an illustrative implementation of a front view of a golf putting trainer;

FIG. 1D provides an illustrative implementation of a side view of a golf putting trainer;

FIG. 1E provides an illustrative implementation of an isometric view of a golf putting trainer;

FIGS. 2A-C provide illustrative implementations of additional arrangements of a golf putting trainer; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide an illustrative implementation of a golfer using a golf putting trainer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.

Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art.

A golf putting trainer designed to improve a golfer's putting setup and motion is discussed herein. During the execution of the putting stroke, proper synchronization of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter motion provides for an improved putting stroke. The proper shoulder motion on-plane ensures that the putter head moves on-plane. A visual guide, such as a shoulder alignment guide of the golf putting trainer discussed herein, may be utilized to ensure that the shoulders move on-plane.

Extended use of the golf putting trainer will train the non-conscious portion of the brain to set the shoulder line perpendicular to the putter face, set the shoulder line parallel to the putt line, train the synchronization of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter motion, and train the on-plane motion of the shoulders. Any excess upper-body rotation causes the putter move off-plane is immediately demonstrated by the golf putting trainer.

The golf putting trainer trains the golfer to set their shoulder line perpendicular to the putter face, provides a visual guide to set the shoulder line parallel to the putt line, thereby improving the golfer's ability to properly align the putter to the putt line, and train the golfer to move the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter in a synchronized motion around the axis (or upper spine) of a proper on-plane putting stroke.

FIGS. 1A-E provide illustrative implementations of a golf putting trainer 10. Golf putting trainer 10 is formed from a main shaft 15, shoulder alignment guide 20, and adjustable clamp 25. Main shaft 15 forms a T-shaped arrangement with shoulder alignment guide 20. Main shaft 15 is of a suitable length for a variety of different golfers and may provide curved portion to allow shoulder alignment guide 20 to easily contact the shoulders of a golfer. For example, main shaft 15 may be approximately 26″ in length with an adequate curve or bend (approximately 60-70 degrees) at the top. In some implementations, main shaft 15 may be a telescoping shaft that allows the length of main shaft 15 to be adjusted.

Shoulder alignment guide 20 may be secured to a top portion of main shaft 15 to form a T-shaped arrangement which is positioned against the front of the left and right shoulder of a golfer. Shoulder alignment guide 20 may be utilized by a golfer to properly align both shoulder parallel to a desired putting line and to teach the golfer to maintain proper alignment throughout the putting stroke. Shoulder alignment guide 20 may be formed of one or more pieces that may be secured to main shaft 15. For example, in some implementations, shoulder alignment guide 20 may include two crossbars may provide thread ends that screw into a top portion of main shaft 15. In other implementations, one or more pieces may be secured to main shaft 15 to form shoulder alignment guide 20 using known attachment means. For example, shoulder alignment guide 20 may be secured to main shaft by hinges; a one piece crossbar may be pressed into a C-shaped portion of the main shaft; or a one piece crossbar may slide through a circular opening in the main shaft and locked in place with a locking pin. Shoulder alignment guide 20 may be removable to allow for easy disassembly, storage, and transport of golf putting trainer 10. As shown in FIG. 1C, shoulder alignment guide 20 may be perpendicular to main shaft 15.

A bottom portion of main shaft 15 provides an adjustable clamp 25. While adjustable clamp 25 is shown at the bottom of main shaft 15, adjustable clamp 25 may provided at any suitable position along main shaft 15, such as anywhere along the bottom third of main shaft 15. The circled portion of FIG. 1A is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 1B. Adjustable clamp 25 may include a first knob 30, first clamp 40, second clamp 45, and second knob 50. First knob 30 is placed through an opening in a bottom portion 35 of main shaft 15 and is coupled to first clamp 40, thereby securing first clamp 40 to main shaft 15. Second knob 50 is placed through an opening in second clamp 45 and is coupled to first clamp 40, thereby securing the first clamp 40 and second clamp 45 together. For example, first knob 30, first clamp 40, second clamp 45, and second knob 50 may be threaded with male and female threads to allow coupling. First knob 30 may be adjusted to allow the angle of clamp 25 to be adjusted relative main shaft 15, thereby allowing golf putting trainer 10 to be adjusted to a golfer's position or spine angle during the putting stroke. Second knob 50 is adjustable to secure or release golf putting trainer 10 to a putter, thereby allowing golf putting trainer 10 to be secured at a desired height on the putter. First clamp 40 and second clamp 45 are shaped to allow golf putting trainer 10 to be secured to a variety of different putter types and/or brands. As a result of the adjustable features of golf putting trainer 10, golf putting trainer 10 may be utilized by golfers of different height, size, shape, posture, and the like, thereby essentially providing a universal trainer that may be utilized by nearly any golfer. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that adjustable clamp may be implemented in a variety of different ways.

In use, adjustable clamp 25 is properly positioned on a typical putter shaft and secured with second knob 50. To properly position golf putting trainer 10 on a putter at a desired height on the putter shaft, first 40 and second clamp 45 allows a golfer to the device up or down on the shaft of the putter to position shoulder alignment guide 20 against the front of the golfer's left and right shoulders at putting address. The golfer may also visually set the face of adjustable clamp 25 so that it is at approximately the same angle as the putter face. This will ensure that shoulder alignment guide 20 is approximately perpendicular to the putter face. The golfer may then actuate second knob 50 to lock adjustable clamp 25 at a desired position on the putter.

Next, while remaining in a putting address position, the golfer may adjust the angle of adjustable clamp relative to main shaft 15. The shaft of first knob 30 acts as a pivot point to allow the angle of adjustable clam 25 to be adjusted relative to main shaft 15. As the shaft of the putter is secured to adjustable clamp 25, adjusting the angle of adjustable clamp relative to main shaft 15 also adjust the angle of the putter shaft relative to main shaft 15. Once the adjustable clamp 25 is at a desired angle relative to main shaft 15, the golfer may actuate first knob 30 to lock adjustable clamp 25 at the desired angle. When golf putting trainer 10 is in the proper position, shoulder alignment guide 20 should be against the front of the left and right shoulders with slight pressure. First knob 30 and second knob 50 may be locked to secure golf putting trainer 10 in the proper position. Once adjustable clamp 25 is locked into the proper position, golf putting trainer 10 may be utilized by the golfer to develop a proper putting stroke.

Because adjustable clamp 25 allows golf putting trainer 10 to be secured to any putter at different heights and angles relative to main shaft 15, golf putting trainer 10 provides a nearly universal putting training aid that can be utilized with various different brands and types of putter and can be utilized by various golfers of different height, size, shape, posture, or the like.

FIGS. 2A-C provide illustrative implementations of additional arrangements of a golf putting trainer 10. Golf putting trainer may provide a main shaft 15 and adjustable clamp 25, as in the implementation in FIGS. 1A-1E. In FIG. 2A, also provides a crossbar(s), as in previous implementations, and straps 55 secured to the crossbar(s) may be provided to secure golf putting trainer 10 against a golfer's shoulders. For example, straps 55 may be looped over and under the golfer's shoulder and secured by any suitable means or straps 55 may be secured to the golfer's clothing by any suitable means, such as Velcro, buckles, or the like. In FIG. 2B, a shoulder alignment guide provides shoulder plate 60 rather than crossbar(s). While shoulder plate 60 is shown as a rectangular shaped plate, shoulder plate 60 may reasonably be shaped into a variety of different shapes. Further, shoulder plate 60 may be contoured to provide a more ergonomic form.

In FIG. 2C, golf putting trainer 10 may also provide shoulder hooks 65 attached to shoulder alignment guide 20 that allow golf putting trainer 10 to be placed on and supported by a golfer's shoulders. One end of shoulder hooks 65 attaches to shoulder alignment guide 20, and the other end of shoulder hooks 65 may optionally provide shoulder straps 70. In contrast to straps 55 in FIG. 2A, shoulder hooks 65 may be more rigid. The rigidness of shoulder hooks 65 forces the golfer maintain contact with shoulder alignment guide 20 during the putting stroke. Note that the individual features of the shoulder alignment guides discussed for the various implementations shown are in no way limited to the arrangements shown or to the specific combination of features shown. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the various features discussed herein may be utilized in various combinations or arrangements, including other combinations or arrangements that have not been shown.

FIGS. 3A and 3B provides an illustrative implementation of a golfer using a golf putting trainer 10. As an initial task, a golfer should position himself or herself into a putting position and secure golf putting trainer 10 to putter 100. Once golf putting trainer 10 is properly positioned, the first and second knobs may be actuated to lock golf putting trainer 10 in the proper position. As noted previously, in the proper position, shoulder alignment guide 20 should provide equal pressure on both shoulders of the golfer and the face of putter 100 is approximately perpendicular to shoulder alignment guide 20.

From this position, the subject's shoulder line will be positioned perpendicular to the putter face. Further, shoulder alignment guide 20 may be visually used to align the shoulders parallel to a desired putt line. Shoulder alignment guide 20 should stay secured with equal pressure against the front of the left and right shoulders throughout the putting stroke to ensure that the motion of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter is synchronized. As shown in FIG. 3A during the backstroke of the golfer's putting stroke, the golfer should attempt to maintain equal pressure against both shoulders with shoulder alignment guide 20. Similarly, during the forward stroke of the golfer's putting stroke, the golfer should attempt to maintain equal pressure against both shoulders with shoulder alignment guide 20 all the way through the follow through of the putting stroke as shown in FIG. 3B. By maintaining equal pressure on both shoulders, the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter will maintain the same geometric shape throughout the putting stroke. Shoulder alignment guide 20 may also used as a visual guide to monitor the path of shoulder motion through the putting stroke. By repeatedly practicing with golf putting trainer 10, a golfer may become familiar with proper synchronization of the shoulders, arms, hands, and putter during the putting stroke, thereby allowing the golfer to repeat a proper putting stroke when playing without golf putting trainer 10.

Therefore, it can be seen that golf putting trainer 10 is designed to provide motion feedback for putting stroke synchronization, and visual feedback for proper putter position at golf ball address; for visual feedback for proper body and shoulder position at golf ball address; and visual feedback for the path of the shoulder motion around the putting stroke axis or upper spine.

It will be appreciated from the description above that various modifications, improvements, or enhancements may be made to golf putting trainer 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, the device may be formed from various materials or a combination of materials, attachment means for shoulder alignment guide and adjustable clamp modified or substituted with known alternatives; main shaft may prove equally effective with a different shape or bend at the top; shoulder alignment guide may be substituted with alternative implementations; and/or the like.

Implementations described herein are included to demonstrate particular aspects of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the implementations described herein merely represent exemplary implementation of the disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific implementations described and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to adapt the disclosure to various usages and conditions. The implementations described hereinabove are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting of the scope of the disclosure. 

1. An apparatus for golf putting stroke training, the apparatus comprising: a main shaft; a shoulder alignment guide secured to a first end of the main shaft, wherein the shoulder alignment guide is detachable from the main shaft; and an adjustable clamp secured to a second end of the main shaft.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shoulder alignment guide comprises at least one crossbar.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one strap attached to the at least one crossbar.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the shoulder alignment guide comprises a plurality of shoulder hooks attached to the at least one crossbar.
 5. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of shoulder hooks is coupled to at least one strap.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shoulder alignment guide comprises at least one shoulder plate.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable clamp is pivotally adjustable to allow an angle of the adjustable clamp relative to the main shaft to be modified.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the angle of the adjustable clamp is modified with a first knob.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable clamp is adjustable between a secure position in which a putter shaft is secured by the adjustable clamp and an unsecure position in which the putter shaft is detachable from the adjustable clamp.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the adjustable clamp is adjusted between a secure position and an unsecure position with a second knob.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable clamp secures a putter in a desired position in which a putter face is perpendicular to the shoulder alignment guide.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the main shaft is curved.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a length of the main shaft is adjustable.
 14. A method for training a golfer to develop a proper putting stroke, the method comprising: attaching a golf putting trainer to a putter, wherein the golf putting trainer comprises, a main shaft; a shoulder alignment guide secured to a first end of the main shaft, wherein the shoulder alignment guide is detachable from the main shaft; and an adjustable clamp secured to a second end of the main shaft; aligning the putter in a desired position relative to the golf putting trainer, wherein the desired position arranges a face of the putter perpendicular to the shoulder alignment guide; grasping the putter so that shoulder alignment guide exerts slight pressure on both shoulders of the golfer; and maintaining slight pressure against both shoulders of the golfer throughout a putting stroke of the golfer.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising position the golfer into a putting stance and locking the adjustable clamp at a desired height on the putter.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the shoulder alignment guide comprises at least one crossbar, a plurality of shoulder hooks, or at least one shoulder plate.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the adjustable clamp is pivotally adjustable to allow an angle of the adjustable clamp relative to the main shaft to be modified.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the golfer into a putting stance and locking the angle of the adjustable clamp relative to the main shaft.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein a length of the main shaft is adjustable.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising visually aligning the shoulder alignment guide with a desired putting path. 